RTi A9

TBoneTuber

Hi folks,

New guy, here.

I've just now learned of the Polk Audio RTi A9 and I'm doing some research on these speakers.

I've been on the phone trying to find a local dealer that may have them in stock, but most are already closed for the evening or they don't carry this model. I'll be on the phone again tomorrow trying to locate someone who sells them and who hopefully has them for me to audition.

But in the mean time...........

I'm hoping you guys/gals can share any information/experience you may have with these speakers.

I've been reading how "clear" and "crisp" they are. But are they smooth, too?

What else could you tell me about these speakers?

Thank you.

MADGSF

Welcome to the club TBoneTuber!

I have not heard the A9s but would love to. I did spend an extended time with the A5s and found them to be noticable smoother than the last RTi series which I own. They still had the crisp, clear sound that line is known for but the edge was taken off the highs. I hope they bring the A9s to Dallas for the demo list.

TBoneTuber

Thank you, MADGSF.

Fongolio

I absolutely fully agree with MASDGSF about the smoothness with my RTiA7's over the previous line of RTi speakers. These are in my opinion and with the right equipment outstanding speakers for the price. Be warned though....they love power and don't come fully alive until fed lots. How much is lots? Well I guess it depends. They sound nice and clean and clear on my Pioneer Elite VSX-52TXi which is rated at 110 wpc BUT they sound stunning when played through my old Kenwood two channel (90 wpc) with a Carver pre-amp and Pro-ject turntable. Punchy controlled bass, extremely articulate mids, and clean and crisp but not overly bright highs. Very well balanced full range speaker. I have not heard the RTiA9's but understand they are everything the A7's are with even more lower end extension. You won't be disappointed if you power them with the right amp.

TBoneTuber

To tell you the truth, I've been re-thinking the RTiA9s and seriously considering the RTiA7s.

While I still haven't found anyone in my area who has them available for audition, I'm strictly thinking in terms of room size. I think the RTiA9s would be a bit much for a 18x14 room. I'm thinking the RTiA7s would be a better match for these room dimensions.

But I will still attempt tp audition both.

Thanks for the input, guys.


Just out of curiosity. Is anyone familair with the Jamo c607 speakers and how they compare to the Polk RTiA7?

Ron Temple

TBoneTuber wrote: »

To tell you the truth, I've been re-thinking the RTiA9s and seriously considering the RTiA7s.

While I still haven't found anyone in my area who has them available for audition, I'm strictly thinking in terms of room size. I think the RTiA9s would be a bit much for a 18x14 room. I'm thinking the RTiA7s would be a better match for these room dimensions.

But I will still attempt tp audition both.

Thanks for the input, guys.


Just out of curiosity. Is anyone familair with the Jamo c607 speakers and how they compare to the Polk RTiA7?

My room is similarly sized and I'm running 4 SDAs and a PB13 without overpowering. Unless you don't have the space or the budget, the 9s (not that much bigger than the 7s) will work just fine.

MADGSF

I guess I should mention I demo'd the A5s with the same setup, amp and all. I will also add that IMO the RTi-10s moved to another level with the addition of the B&K. I would expect the same for the new line as well.

BjornB17

I was looking at the new RTiA series to replace my Monitors until i saw that all the "old" RTi series can be found for cheap on clearance. I'm going that route for now CSi5 on the way in the mail and ready to order a set of RTi10s as well.

TouchOfEvil

where are you guys shopping for your speakers at?

TBoneTuber

Ron Temple wrote: »

My room is similarly sized and I'm running 4 SDAs and a PB13 without overpowering. Unless you don't have the space or the budget, the 9s (not that much bigger than the 7s) will work just fine.

It's really a matter of room size and the speakers not acoustically over-powering the room, as well as physically over-powering the room.

I'm going to make every effort to audition both the 7s and 9s. Then make a decision. I was considering the Jamo C607 because their smaller foot print and the fact they easily incorporate into a room without the need for toe-in or being set-up too far off the back wall. So I wanted to get an idea on sound and how the Polks and this Jamo model compare.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Cochise

TouchOfEvil wrote: »

where are you guys shopping for your speakers at?

Tweeter, local home theater shops.

I have a setup of RTi A9s, CSI A6. And, after seeing all of the summer movies in real theaters, I can honestly say that my RTi A9 sound better. They may not blast as loud, but they definately have better sonic qualities and I hear "more" of the sound track.

leroyjr1

I should have gotten the cherry ones. Looks a lot better than black with the grills off.

TBoneTuber

I auditioned the RTi A9s, today.

I must say I was very impressed. And that's with taking into consideration the shabby setup, rather mediocre Reciever and not-so-great CD player the dealer had feeding them.

I have a distinct feeling that over the next two weeks or so, I will be bringing these bad boys home!

I'm still going to try auditioning the Jamos and one other pair of speakers.

But I'm leaning heavily their way (the RTi A9s) and I definitely believe that the RTi A9s would benefit greatly from and be even more impressive and musically satisfying with my Rega Saturn CDP, Vincent Audio SA-T1 Pre Amp and Butler Audio TDB5150 or TDB 2250 feeding them.

I'm also going to have a Van Alstine Ultra T8 Pre Amp and Fet Valve 500 amp, coming soon.

This is going to be fun!

I'll continue to check-in and share my thoughts and experiences.

Cochise

TBoneTuber wrote: »

I auditioned the RTi A9s, today.

I must say I was very impressed. And that's with taking into consideration the shabby setup, rather mediocre Reciever and not-so-great CD player the dealer had feeding them.

I have a distinct feeling that over the next two weeks or so, I will be bringing these bad boys home!

I'm still going to try auditioning the Jamos and one other pair of speakers.

But I'm leaning heavily their way (the RTi A9s) and I definitely believe that the RTi A9s would benefit greatly from and be even more impressive and musically satisfying with my Rega Saturn CDP, Vincent Audio SA-T1 Pre Amp and Butler Audio TDB5150 or TDB 2250 feeding them.

I'm also going to have a Van Alstine Ultra T8 Pre Amp and Fet Valve 500 amp, coming soon.

This is going to be fun!

I'll continue to check-in and share my thoughts and experiences.

Just make sure you buy them in cherry.

MADGSF

Nice amp selection there! It would be nice if you could at least demo them at home as I am very interested in hearing feed back on the A9s with those amps.

TBoneTuber

Cochise wrote: »

Just make sure you buy them in cherry.

Absolutley. I love the cherry finish and that was the finish I liked from the start. My furniture is a dark cherry, so they will blend in nicely, while at the same time adding a slight variation to the color scheme.

The ones I auditioned were in the cherry and yeah....they are beautiful. The pictures on Polk's website really don't do them much justice. Seeing them in person is something else.

TBoneTuber

MADGSF wrote: »

Nice amp selection there! It would be nice if you could at least demo them at home as I am very interested in hearing feed back on the A9s with those amps.

I'll gladly share my thoughts when I get some time with them and my amps.

As you can see, I've pretty much convinced myself to go with the RTi A9

But I will still audition the others, so I can be sure.

DNA HOME AUDIO

Cochise, what brand of center channel stand do you have?

tonyb

Hey Tbone,

Another owner of the Butler TB2250....it will drive those A9's silly. I use mine on Legacy Focus 20/20's and am pretty satisfied.

ken brydson

You guys know this is a 7 year old thread and the OP hasn't logged on since, right?

tonyb

Crap man, didn't even look...thanks for the heads up.

Ya know, it comes to a point where you just can't keep blaming sh&t on old age...lol.

ken brydson

tonyb wrote: »

Ya know, it comes to a point where you just can't keep blaming sh&t on old age...lol.

I hear ya brother...